Neural tube defect

A neural tube defect is a congenital condition caused by incomplete closure of the embryonic neural tube, the structure that develops into the brain and spinal cord.

Neural tube: The embryonic structure that develops into the brain and spinal cord. Defects arise when this structure fails to close completely.
Spina bifida: A group of conditions in which the spine and its coverings do not form completely around the spinal cord. It is the best-known group of spinal neural tube defects.
Primary neurulation: The process in which the neural plate folds and fuses to form most of the brain and spinal cord. Most neural tube defects arise from disruption of this folding and fusion.
Folic acid fortification: The addition of folic acid to staple foods to increase population intake and prevent deficiency-related conditions. Fortification reduces neural tube defect rates where it is implemented.
Folate: A group of B9 vitamins involved in DNA synthesis and one-carbon metabolism. Folate biology underlies prevention, but supplementation does not prevent every defect.
Neurulation: The embryonic process that forms the neural tube from the neural plate. Its timing and sequence determine when closure can go awry.
Myelomeningocele: A severe form of spina bifida in which the spinal cord, nerves, and meninges protrude through an opening in the spine. This open defect can cause substantial motor and sensory impairment.
Secondary neurulation: The process by which a caudal cell mass forms the lower end of the spinal cord. Abnormalities in this later process can affect the lowest spinal regions.
Prenatal screening: Testing during pregnancy that estimates the chance of particular fetal conditions without necessarily diagnosing them. Screening can identify pregnancies that need diagnostic evaluation for a neural tube defect.
Genetic predisposition: Inherited genetic variation that changes a person's susceptibility to a condition without determining it alone. Genetic factors help explain why risk varies among pregnancies and families.

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